Michigan State pro day offered Texans more than Malik McDowell

Michigan State pro day offered Texans more than Malik McDowell

Michigan State held its pro day in East Lansing on Wednesday, and the headliner is enigmatic defensive lineman Malik McDowell. Yet there is more depth in the Spartans draft class than meets the outside eye.

The proceedings were closed to the media, but I received confirmation from an agent of one of the participants that the Texans were represented.

Of course the focus is McDowell, who flashed dominant athleticism playing both end and tackle for the Spartans, especially in 2015. He did not play as well with a less supporting cast in 2016 and left the team under controversy with what many considered a minor injury. He didn’t help himself by admitting he didn’t listen to coaches all the time in his combine media interview.

Tight end Josiah Price gets lost in the deep and diverse TE class, but he’s got an intriguing skill set. He’s one of the best at chipping the rusher and releasing into routes, and his agility and blocking in space improved as a senior.

One of the players the Texans should have interest in did not work out. Safety Montae Nicholson, whom the Texans met with at the NFL Scouting Combine, recently had shoulder surgery.

Riley Bullough played through broken shoulder blade. Montae Nicholson has a torn labrum in left shoulder. Had surgery 2 days after combine.

Riley Bullough, the younger brother and Spartan successor to Texans reserve linebacker Max Bullough, did manage to bench press 29 reps. He is a late-round candidate.

A couple of Spartans who don’t project as being drafted but could still make a training camp impression, corner Darian Hicks and fullback Prescott Line, were among others working out at the indoor facility.

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